More than 2.3 million units have been recalled by the two brands in the United States for the potential fault, which has prompted formal investigations.

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Korean manufacturers Hyundai and Kia have expanded a safety recall in the United States over concerns of engine fires, across several older-generation model lines.

According to a new report by industry journal, Automotive News, around 534,000 more vehicles have been added to this long-running recall campaign, with the latest models affected being 378,000 2012-16 Kia Souls for engine damage and fire risks, along with 155,000 2011-13 Hyundai Tucsons and 2011-12 Kia Sportages for possible oil pan leaks, which could also pose a fire hazard.

Both brands have now recalled over 2.3 million units in the United States across several model lines for potential engine fire risks in a series of notices since 2015.

Two high-profile investigations have been launched in the US as a result, the first being in May 2017 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into the recalls of nearly 1.7 million vehicles over engine defects.

More recently, Reuters and Automotive News reported in November last year that American federal prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into Hyundai and Kia to 'determine if vehicle recalls linked to engine defects were conducted properly'.

Australia

Both Hyundai and Kia's local divisions said there's no known local impact from the recalls launched in America at this stage.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest on Australian vehicle recalls.